280 
MANUAL OP MODERN FARRIERY 
disorders where the heart is burdened by the pressure 
required to force the blood forward through the arteries in 
inflammatory complaints, it is easy to see that taken in 
too great quantities, or too frequently, may not only render 
it too thin, but also deficient in quantity. 
Diuretic medicines are of much value in many diseases. 
For example, in swellings of the legs the use of diuretics 
have the effect of carrying off—as we have above shown—a 
greater than ordinary quantity of the watery portion of the 
blood. Nature has always a tendency to keep in equili¬ 
brium all her machinery and laws; consequently, the 
absorbent vessels are stimulated to greater action in order 
to compensate for this waste, and take up and convey into 
the circulation that portion of the fluid which had affected 
the limbs. In short, many horses are so predisposed to 
swelling of the limbs, that it is impossible to render them 
fine without the use of diuretics. We shall treat this part 
more fully in our chapter on medicines; but we may in the 
meantime offer the following precautions in the use of 
diuretics. First, let the horse have as much drink as he 
will take, as this will promote the urinary evacuations. 
Secondly, the stable should be kept cool, and the clothing 
thin ; because, if this is not attended to, the medicine given 
to stimulate the kidneys will pass off by perspiration, and 
the effect intended will be thus frustrated. It is a law of 
the animal economy that when the skin gives off perspira¬ 
tion, the action of the kidneys is reduced. 
Turpentine is an excellent diuretic. It may be given 
in liquid, or made into balls with lintseed-meal and 
half-a-drachm of ginger, formed with palm-oil. Half-an- 
ounce of turpentine is a sufficient dose to be given at a 
time ; but where fever exists, nitre or digitalis should be 
administered. 
